My Thoughts on Library 2.0

My first introduction to Library 2.0 ideas was at the Computers in Libraries Conference in 2007. I had realized that I had become very complacent with my job as a librarian and not really aware of the changes taking place in the library world around me. Since that time I have done what I can to learn all about Library 2.0 technologies and ideas and to integrate them into my daily work.

To me Library 2.0 is not just about the technology that is being used, but it really is an idea and mindset. The idea is that of a social world. Library users are no longer wanting just a brick building where they can come and sit at a desk by themselves to study in a quiet area. Library users want a place, virtual or real, where they can come and collaborate with others to learn. They want a true social space. This is what the aspects of Library 2.0 can provide.

What I think is more important than just integrating these tools, is first changing our mindset. Librarians, especially ones that have been in the business since the time of card catalogs - which I might add really wasn't that long ago - are having problems letting go of how libraries once were. We need to stop thinking of libraries as a place for the single user, but as a place for group study and learning. We need to also think of the library as more than just a brick building, but also a virtual world that users can access at any time and any place. We need to be aware of what our users are asking for, when they are asking for it, and how they are asking for it and doing what we can to comply. All of these ideas stem from the Library 2.0 technologies.

I am hoping to incorporate some of these ideas into my library, and in fact have already started. I am very lucky to work for a Library Dean that is forward thinking. I feel that if we all work together we can build the library of the future.